An Army veteran who lost his legs in a roadside bombing in Iraq hopes to walk into his new home in July, a gift that will include the feature he wanted most of all — an attached garage.

That way, Sergio Lopez figures he can more easily help his wife carry in groceries during bad weather.

After more than a year of fundraising and planning, volunteers in west suburban Hillside broke ground Wednesday on the two-story, three-bedroom home for Lopez and his family.

The gift was announced in 2009, but a weak economy and bad weather prevented organizers from getting started sooner on the $250,000 project, officials said. Though builders are still about $30,000 short to cover some labor and materials, they say it's time to get going.

"It did take a little bit longer than we anticipated but not such that we were discouraged in any way," said Lopez as his wife and two daughters stood by his side. "From day one, the community has had nothing but good intentions."

Village leaders and Plote Companies — owner of the 6,500-square-foot lot where the home will be built — set up the nonprofit organization Hillside Disabled Veterans Home Project to rally support from local unions and contractors.

No tax dollars will be used to construct the home, said John Flood, the assistant village manager.

"It's a chance to give back, to show our appreciation," he said. "It's also brought the community together."

Lopez, 28, said details about how he was injured are sketchy. He mostly recalls what happened through a written report of the bombing, he said.

In January 2006, soldiers in Lopez's company had captured insurgents and needed a translator to help interrogate them in Baghdad, he said.

Lopez was driving the translator and three other soldiers when the bomb exploded under the Humvee he was driving.

The blast ejected Lopez, causing dozens of leg fractures, he said. No one else was injured.

A month later, his legs were amputated below the knees. He spent six months in rehabilitation at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where he learned how to use his prosthetic legs.

Now, Lopez rarely needs a wheelchair and attends a trade school to study automotive technology.

Flood expects that construction of the 2,600-square-foot home will be completed by July 4.

Lopez, his wife, Maria, 26, and their daughters, Sasha, 7, and Sofia, 4, are excited about what their new home promises.

"It's hard to believe that someone would give us a free house," said Maria Lopez. "We're very excited and thankful for the people helping out."

Lopez looks forward to having that attached two-car garage. The home where the family now lives in Joliet has a detached garage, which made it hard for him during slippery, icy weather, he said.

Sasha and Sofia look forward to having their own rooms — and their own bathroom sinks.

"When you're little, it's the little things that make you happy," Lopez said.